Direct answer: Compare a used excavator CIF Lagos offer with an FOB quote by adding every cost from the China yard to your Nigerian job site. CIF can include ocean freight and marine insurance to the named destination port, but it does not automatically include customs duty, taxes, terminal handling, clearance, demurrage or inland delivery. The exact machine, serial/PIN and evidence file must also match the contract and shipping documents.
Executive summary
For Nigeria buyers, write the named port as Apapa Port, Lagos and ask for an equipment-only, FOB and CIF comparison. Keep freight, insurance, destination fees, duties, taxes, inspection, clearance and inland transport as separate lines. Request current unit evidence before paying a deposit.
1. Start with the exact machine
Searches such as used excavator for sale in Nigeria, used CAT excavator Nigeria and used excavator to Apapa Port describe a buying need, not proof of a particular unit. Record the model, year, displayed hours, operating weight, engine, bucket and serial/PIN. Ask for a readable plate, engine plate, hour meter and a current walk-around. The identifier should repeat on the inspection report, contract, invoice, packing list and loading photos.
2. Compare FOB, CIF and the real landed cost
Ask for three lines in the written quotation: equipment-only, FOB the named China port, and CIF Apapa. Confirm what each line includes. Add origin haulage, export handling, ocean freight, marine insurance, destination terminal charges, customs clearance, duties, taxes, port storage, demurrage, inland delivery and the first service budget. A cheap FOB price is not automatically cheaper after delivery; a CIF price is not a final Nigerian landed price.
3. Apapa Port and shipping questions
Specify Apapa Port, Lagos, or another Nigerian port before the freight estimate is prepared. Ask which carrier service, container or flat-rack method, loading dimensions, estimated transit window and free-time assumptions are being used. Heavy machines may require special loading or RoRo planning. Confirm who is responsible for lashing, export documents, bill of lading instructions and any port-side handling.
4. Evidence before payment
Request an uncut cold-start video followed by warm hydraulic, swing and travel tests. Ask for undercarriage, cylinder rod, final-drive, leak and cab-control views. For a material purchase, add an independent inspection and retain source images. Evidence is a screening tool, so ask the inspector to state what could not be tested.
5. Nigeria import and documentation checks
Import requirements and charges can change. Confirm current customs, emissions, pre-shipment inspection, registration and tax requirements with a Nigerian broker or relevant authority. Request a signed contract, commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading details and certificate of origin where applicable. Model, serial/PIN, quantity, consignee and destination must be consistent.
Buyer checklist
- Named destination: Apapa Port, Lagos.
- Equipment-only, FOB and CIF prices with validity and exclusions.
- Freight, insurance, terminal, clearance, duty, tax and inland-delivery estimate.
- Exact-unit serial/PIN, hour meter, inspection report and uncut operating video.
- Payment beneficiary verified by an independent channel.
- Loading photos and document pack retained before balance release.
Conclusion
A reliable used excavator CIF Lagos comparison combines commercial scope with mechanical evidence. Visit the Nigeria market guide and current used-equipment catalog, then request an Apapa-specific quote for the exact unit.
